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No Tricks, Just Treats. How to Celebrate Halloween in Newport Beach

Do Halloween someplace unexpected. Do a Newport Beach Halloween in California. (Photo: Getty/ John B. Mueller)

Newport Beach, Calif., is known for its general sunny disposition, but it has a dark side. Well, not really, only if it’s Halloween. If you are in town and inclined to celebrate in a spook-tacular way, Newport Beach has you covered. Here’s how to do a frightfully fun All Hallows’ Eve in Orange County.

Get Wicked

Ghastly specters? Sexy witches? Amusing zombies? Not everyone has a costume stashed in their carry-on bag. No worries. Local shops can transform you from Clark Kent into the Joker in record time. If you’re looking for something high quality and frisky, head to Costa Mesa and Wicked Chamber.

The details: The shop keeps garnering “best of” awards for their naughty inventory and helpfulness. Curious? Check out their Facebook page before you venture over because there is no website.

Go Vintage

Looking for something a little less, ahem, well a little more in terms of coverage? For the clever, a quick trip to a carefully curated vintage shop is the answer. Potential Don Drapers from “Mad Men” and Gladys Withams from “Bomb Girls” can scoop up authentic pieces from hats to shoes at Swellegant Vintage.

The details: Located on Newport Boulevard, this shop is stocked with everything you need to play your favorite fictional character from 1940-1989.

Party Like a Vampire

Now that you’ve got the look down, the question is where to find the party. If you don’t mind the hour commute to L.A., Couture’s Vampire Halloween Masquerade and Costume Party is a good bet.

The details: Tickets start at $20 (sold online) and escalate to a $1,250 Dracula package! But hey, there’s a $1,000 prize for the best costume. Of course, it is L.A., so come ready to compete with Hollywood’s best.

Haunt the Queen Mary

For those who love being scared with a dash of history on the side, there’s nothing like Dark Harbor aboard the Queen Mary. It’s a 30-minute commute from Newport Beach for a Halloween evening of fun, thanks to uber-frightening mazes and haunted souls seeking playmates. Let’s not forget the absinthe concoctions.

The details: The event runs Oct 1-Nov 1 and ticket prices range from $15-39, depending on the day. Food and beverages are extra. Costumes are only permitted on Oct 31 and Nov 1st. You’ll need to register in advance for the costume ball on Halloween and the Day of the Dead (there are cash prizes).